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Vascular spasm
Definition
A vascular spasm is a sudden, brief tightening of a blood vessel. Vascular spasms can temporarily reduce blood flow to tissues supplied by that vessel.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain. Other symptoms are caused by lack of proper circulation and vary depending on the specific organ affected:
- When the spasm affects circulation in a limb, there may be pallor and a sensation of cold in that arm or leg. Limb function and movement will be impaired.
- When the spasm affects circulation in the heart, there may be symptoms similar to a heart attack and irregular heartbeats.
Exams and Tests
These vary depending on the affected organ.
Treatment
Symptoms can sometimes be relieved by the use of medications that help relax the blood vessels.
Review Date:
11/22/2004
Reviewed By: Fabian Arnaldo, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Fabian Arnaldo, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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